10 jobs for outdoorsy types

10 jobs for outdoorsy types
By Alina Dizik, Special to CareerBuilder

If you're the outdoorsy type, picking a career that gets you away from the cubicle is key. Whether you're roaming the woods as a park ranger or tending to livestock as an organic farmer, doing a job with an outdoor element is an important part of feeling satisfied at work. But don't just reach for any outdoorsy position; consider other elements to figure out the perfect fit. Just because you love the outdoors doesn't mean you'd be a great zookeeper.

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Are you a nature lover? Here are 10 jobs worth considering:

1. Archaeologist
Average annual salary: $75,559
Digging and studying what's left behind by the ancient world can sound like a dream job to some. But archaeologists must be disciplined and understand that it's rare to have the amazing discoveries shown in Hollywood films. Many spend a great deal of time outdoors at archaeological sites. Travel is a big perk.

2. Zookeeper
Average annual salary: $33,327

Working to maintain the indoor and outdoor e
vironments of zoos, zookeepers get plenty of time to connect with nature and the animals. Getting time to interact with and take care of the animals, many of which are endangered, is another rewarding part of the job.

3. Geologist
Average annual salary: $80,527
By studying the different components of the Earth, geologists often strive to understand its complicated history and processes. Both liquid and solid matter are studied, so geologists travel often and conduct research from a host of remote locations. Geologists need a thorough understanding of science and advanced degrees.

4. Fish and game warden
Average annual salary: $56,567
Patrolling natural areas such as lakes, rivers and wetlands, fish and game wardens spend a large part of their day enforcing state and local hunting and fishing codes. They spend most of the workday outside, so they have a lot of time to connect with their natural surroundings.

5. Wildlife biologist
Average annual salary: $41,502
Studying wild animals, biologists often help in efforts to conserve and protect wildlife. Biologists work with state and federal agencies to facilitate an understanding of wild animals and their habitats. Wildlife biologists have some of the most important roles in preserving endangered animals.

6. Botanist
Average annual salary: $67,777
Studying plant life and the environment, botanists work on a variety of initiatives and have the opportunity to learn about the most detailed aspects of the outdoors. Some botanists work with integrating plant products into medicine or cosmetics.

7. Park ranger
Average annual salary: $22,203
Patrolling state or national parks, park rangers help enforce regulations and ensure that visitors use the area in an orderly manner. Park rangers are in charge of anything from cleaning up to helping facilitate parking permits, so work duties differ each day.

8. Organic farmer
Average annual salary: $35,389
Farming with a sustainable focus, organic farmers are often at the helm of the "green" movement and have made significant headway when promoting their products. Working in all modes of production and with different crops, they spend a significant part of the year tending to crops outdoors or preparing products for delivery.

9. Photographer
Average annual salary: $46,924
Most professional photographers will tell you that there's nothing like natural light to enhance their work. Whether they are photographing people, nature or animals, many photographers shoot at least part of their work outdoors.

10. Landscape architect
Average annual salary: $72,402
Whether they are designing gardens, rooftops or parks, landscape architects get to use their skills to make use of outdoor areas. With so many environments to choose from, the profession also appeals to creative types who want to help beautify unused spaces.

*Average annual salary from cbsalary.com

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Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter